Malaysia Sets Sights on Three-Medal Haul at Asian Track Cycling Championships 2025
The Malaysian national track cycling team has set its sights on a modest three-medal haul at the Asian Track Cycling Championships (ATC) 2025, which will be held at the National Velodrome in Nilai, Malaysia, from February 21-27.
Targeting Medals in Men’s and Women’s Team Sprint and Women’s Keirin
National track cycling head coach Harnizam Basri revealed that the team is banking on medals from the men’s and women’s team sprint events as well as women’s keirin rider Nurul Izzah Izzati Mohd Asri. "Realistically, I am targeting just three medals, whatever the colour," he said.
Azizulhasni to Skip Championships, Shah Firdaus’ Participation Uncertain
National track ace Datuk Mohd Azizulhasni Awang has opted out of the championships, while Muhammad Shah Firdaus Sahrom’s participation is still uncertain due to a knee injury. "Shah Firdaus suffered a knee injury two weeks ago and we just received the result of his MRI today. We are relieved that he won’t need to take any jabs, but we must decide on how many events he will compete in," said Harnizam.
Malaysian National Cycling Federation (MNCF) Confident of Fan Support
Malaysian National Cycling Federation (MNCF) Datuk Amarjit Singh Gill is confident that the presence of home fans will make up for the disappointment of Azizulhasni’s absence. "I think the supporters will turn up to give their support because Datuk Azizulhasni himself has called on them to turn up in droves via social media and even he might show up. The fans must also give their support to our rising stars who are our hope for the future," he said.
Past Performance and Expectations
In last year’s edition in New Delhi, India, Malaysia bagged two gold medals through Nurul Izzah Izzati (women’s keirin & 500m time trial), two silvers, and a bronze to finish third overall behind Japan and China. When Malaysia hosted the championships in 2023, the country won three gold medals through Mohd Azizulhasni (keirin and sprint) and Muhammad Fadhil (1km time trial) as well as a silver and two bronze medals.
Conclusion
The Malaysian national track cycling team is gearing up for a strong performance at the Asian Track Cycling Championships 2025, with a modest three-medal target in sight. With a focus on medals in the men’s and women’s team sprint events and women’s keirin, the team is banking on the support of home fans to help them achieve their goal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Who is the national track cycling head coach?
A: Harnizam Basri
Q: Who is the national track ace skipping the championships?
A: Datuk Mohd Azizulhasni Awang
Q: Who is the rider with a knee injury and uncertain participation?
A: Muhammad Shah Firdaus Sahrom
Q: How many gold medals did Malaysia win in the 2023 edition of the championships?
A: Three gold medals through Mohd Azizulhasni (keirin and sprint) and Muhammad Fadhil (1km time trial) as well as a silver and two bronze medals.